Cayden Michael Schaaf, 13, passed away at 4:25 pm Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.
He was born on September 24, 2012 in Springfield, IL, the son of Derek and Miranda (Maynard) Schaaf.
Cayden was home schooled by his mother, Miranda. Like many children, Cayden enjoyed playing Minecraft and Fortnite. He was always up for a family board game night (Uno: No Mercy was his #1) and had an interest in Anime. He also took pleasure in watching TV and YouTube, especially Sam & Colby, The Rookie, and anything to do with solving crimes. He loved the simple things in life, from eating his favorite Burger King chicken sandwiches to just spending time in the company of friends and family. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend. His life and memory are a blessing to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his siblings, Katherine Schaaf of Meadowbrook, Lucas Wall of St. Augustine, Florida, Kailyn (Jadyn Franklin) Wall of Rosewood Heights, and Gavin Wall of Staunton; his grandparents, Tammy (David) Forsythe of Bunker Hill, Michael (Carla) Maynard of Alton, and Wayne (Marcie Jones) Schaaf of Cottage Hills; his aunts and uncles, Andrea Battles of Alton, Chaunta (Craig) Davis of Wentzville, Missouri, Michael (Dawn) Dustman of Godfrey, Tommy (Kylie) Forsythe of Maricopa, Arizona, Sara (Brad) O'Brien of Wood River, and Samantha (Darrell) Hodges of Alton; as well as many extended family members and friends.
Cayden was preceded in death by one set of grandparents, Ellen Short and Robert Scroggins.
A Celebration of Cayden's Life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 2 pm to 5 pm, at the Wood River Moose Lodge.
Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation rites. Memorials are suggested to Mid-America Transplant Services.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
